Is Dental Implant Placement Painful?

 

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At Dental Art, we understand that the question “Is dental implant placement painful?” is one of the most common ones patients ask when considering dental restoration with implants. The answer is simple: no — there is no pain during the procedure, and any post-treatment discomfort, if it occurs at all, is usually minimal. As our dentist and implantologist Dr. Jevgenijs Platkovs puts it: “It’s less painful than a tooth extraction.” Below, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to confidently begin your journey to a beautifully restored, fully functional smile.

What Is a Dental Implant and Why Is It Important?

Dental implants are the most modern and reliable way to replace a lost tooth — restoring both the aesthetics of your smile and the functionality of your bite. The implant is usually made of titanium — a material biologically compatible with human tissues — and can be placed in any area of the mouth. In our clinic, we emphasize that implants not only restore your smile but also help preserve jawbone volume and prevent bone loss after tooth extraction.

Step-by-Step Implantation Process

• 1. Diagnosis and Planning: During the first visit, our implantologist assesses the condition of your oral cavity and jawbone, conducts the necessary exams, and prepares a personalized treatment plan.
• 2. Implant Placement: We use local anesthesia (or sedation if needed). The implantologist exposes the gum, drills a channel in the bone, places the titanium implant, and covers it with the gum. Bone grafting is performed if necessary.
• 3. Osseointegration and Gum Shaping: After 2–6 months, once the implant has integrated with the bone, an X-ray is done. If everything looks good, a gum shaper is placed to create the ideal soft tissue contour for the future crown.
• 4. Final Crown: After the gum has healed, we take impressions and fabricate a custom crown in our lab. It’s first fixed with temporary cement, then permanently, for a natural look and full function.

Preparation and Additional Procedures

Before the procedure, a thorough examination of the mouth is required — including bone volume and soft tissue assessment. Each case is unique, so the treatment timeline and steps may vary. In some cases, additional procedures are needed:

• Bone grafting if the jawbone volume is insufficient;
• Soft tissue grafting to ensure optimal aesthetics;
• Providing full medical history, current medications, and lifestyle factors such as smoking — as smoking can impair healing.

Aftercare and Healing

Following implant placement, it’s essential to follow simple but important guidelines for a successful recovery:

• Do not eat for the first 2 hours post-op;
• For the first two weeks, stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the implant side;
• Avoid hot drinks, baths, or activities that increase blood circulation;
• Do not rinse your mouth vigorously or touch the wound with fingers, tongue, or any objects;
• Strictly avoid smoking — it significantly hinders healing;
• If needed, take painkillers or fever reducers and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling;
• If bleeding continues or severe pain/swelling develops, contact the clinic immediately.

Why Choose Dental Art?

At our clinic, you benefit from:

• A highly qualified and experienced team of implantologists;
• Top-quality titanium implant systems;
• A personalized approach considering both clinical and financial factors;
• A comfortable environment, sedation options, and attentive post-op care.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering whether implants are right for you — the answer is yes. They’re an effective, long-term solution for restoring both function and aesthetics. Pain during the procedure is minimal or non-existent, and the investment pays off with results you’ll both see and feel every day.